February 2017 – Human life may not be as valued in evangelical circles as was previously assumed. According to a recent nationwide study conducted by LifeWay Research, a random poll of 1,000 respondents revealed some surprising insights. LifeWay Research said, “[69% of Americans somewhat agree or strongly agree that] physicians should be allowed to assist terminally ill patients in ending their life.”

Christian Post’s Samuel Smith compared the broad “Christian” category to other groups cited in the poll: “In total, 60% of Christians surveyed agreed with the statement [that physicians should be allowed to assist in ending a patient’s life], compared to the 88% of non-religious respondents and 77% of respondents affiliated with other religions.”

Joni Eareckson Tada, founder of the Joni and Friends International Disability Center, told the Christian Post, “They have a basic fear about old age and pain and disability, but fears are not the basis for good social policy. Fundamental fears about suffering and disabilities should never ever be the basis for social policy.”